Neighbors helping neighbors on the Westside

Nestled amidst the polish halls, homes, and churches of Grand Rapids' lower Westside stands Steepletown Neighborhood Services, a beacon of hope and help for those still needing their GED and other services. 
 

Housed in a former convent at 671 Davis NW, Steepletown provides free GED assistance to students 16-24 and this is one of their most popular programs. It offers open enrollment year-round, not just July through June like other organizations. It also attempts to eliminate the barriers to education some students face. As of April 1, drop-in childcare will be available for the first time to those in the program. 

Steepletown relies heavily on volunteers for the GED program's one-on-one mentoring and group tutoring. They offer weekly orientations to anyone interested in volunteering and they could always use more help.

"We have a need for tutors in all subjects, but really our greatest need is for volunteers to identify with the student first, to engage with them," says Education Coordinator Melanie Straub. 

According to Straub, that connection keeps students interested and encourages them to ask questions and attend additional workshops and seminars.  

The 200 or so currently enrolled students work with a youth advocate to set up a schedule to achieve their GED and attend tutoring sessions from 9-12 a.m. or 4-6 p.m. 

"We graduate about 60 kids per year, with two graduation ceremonies," says Assistant Director Sandy Stuckhardt. "Kids progress at their own level and after graduation are encouraged to join one of our other programs, the West Side Garage Store or the Senior Lawn Care Program."

These other programs teach students leadership and job skills training, and they assist with career counseling post GED. 

Originally formed as a community resource by three neighboring Catholic churches -- St. James, St. Mary, and the Basilica of Saint Adalbert -- Steepletown promotes a "neighbor helping neighbor live with dignity and hope" mission. 

With tax day looming on April 15, many are also taking advantage of the Kent County Tax Credit Coalition (KCTCC) VITA Program available at Steepletown. Certified volunteers prepare basic tax returns on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. For those who have waited to file and are still in need, there are only three Wednesdays left before April 15. On average, the program assists around 200 people per tax season, although this season, the numbers are down slightly due to lack of volunteers.

Believing that a neighborhood is only as vibrant as the people who live there, Steepletown is committed to providing support services as diverse as the community in which it sits. If you'd like to get involved, here are some ways you can: 
 

- To find out more information about Steepletown's many services, visit their website. 

- If you're interested in volunteering and making a connection with students, call 616-451-4215 ext. 111 or email Melanie Straub.

- Donate to the organization. 
 

Sources: Sandy Stuckhardt, Assistant Director Steepletown Neighborhood Services, and Melanie Straub, Education Coordinator

Writer: Terri Spaulding, Do Good Contributor